Spring is here! Check out this list for upcoming kid-friendly activities, exhibits, stage shows, and more happening in the Omaha Metro Area in May 2019. Ready for summer festivals in Omaha and surrounding communities? Those are on the list, too! Looking for all the free concerts and free movies this summer? There are too many to list here, so visit this post: 100+ Free Summer Movies In Omaha (and Concerts).

How to read this post: The first events listed are things to come in chronological order, followed by all the on-going events like exhibits or shows that have already opened. Everything is in Omaha, unless otherwise noted in the address. The post ends with weekly activities at recreation centers and libraries (you may want to call ahead to make sure it is happening the day you plan on visiting).

Salute To Summer Festival

When: May 23-26 (carnival is May 23-26, fireworks on May 24 at dusk, parade on May 25 at 1 p.m.)

Where: Various locations in La Vista, Neb., including Central Park, City Hall and Community Center

Taste of Omaha

Castlepalooza: A Free Community Festival

When: June 1, 3 to 9 p.m.

Where: Joslyn Castle, 3902 Davenport St.

Cost: FREE

Royal Highland Ball

When: June 1, 6 to 9 p.m.

Where: Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S. 20th St.

Cost: $20 for members and $35 for non-members; purchase tickets to both the Royal Highland Ball and Fairytale Ball and get combo tickets to attend both for $30 for members and $60 for non-members. Purchase tickets here.

Family Safari Tent Camp

Cost: $100 per person (children must be at least 4 years old; tents required)

Gateway To The West Days

When: June 6-9

Where: Various locations around Blair, Neb.

Cost: FREE

Kids Funfare

When: Thursdays, June 6-27, 10 a.m.

Where: Regency Court, 120 Regency Parkway

Cost: FREE

Springfield Days

When: June 7 and 8 (parade on June 8 at 2 p.m, Springfield’s Got Talent Show on June 8 at 5 p.m..)

Where: Springfield, Neb.

Cost: FREE

Bennington Daze

When: June 7-9 (parade is June 8 at 11 a.m., street dance is June 8)

Where: Various locations in Bennington

Cost: FREE

Carter Lake Parade & Festival

When: June 8

Where: Carter Lake, Iowa

Cost: FREE

“Tyrannosaurs: Meet the Family”

When: June 8 through Sept. 1

Where: The Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St.

Cost: Included with museum admission and FREE for members

Aviation STEM Day & Pancake Breakfast – Ages 11-18

When: June 8, 8 a.m. to noon

Where: Millard Airport, 12916 Millard Airport Plaza

Cost: TBD

Curious George Visits Story Time

When: June 8-14 ; June 8 at 10:30 a.m. (Willa Cather), June 10 at 10:30 a.m. (Abrahams), June 11 at 10:30 a.m. (South Omaha), June 12 at 10:30 a.m. (Main), June 13 at 10:15 a.m. (Benson), and June 14 at 10:30 a.m. (Florence)

Nerf Lock-in

Cost: FREE (must pre-register and have signed parental permission slip; for ages 12-18)

Rise Of The Tyrants – A Family-Focused Presentation

When: June 15, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Where: The Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St.

Cost: Included with museum admission and FREE for members; registration is required

Princess Workshop

When: June 29, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Where: Board and Brush, 539 N. 155th Plaza

Cost: $25

Ralston Independence Day Celebration

When: July 3 and 4 (parade is July 4 at 1 p.m., fireworks on July 4 at dusk)

Where: Ralston, Neb.

Cost: FREE

Fremont Days

When: July 12-14

Where: Various locations in Fremont, Neb.

Cost: FREE

Telescopes and Prairie Skies

When: July 19, 7 to 10 p.m.

Where: Wildlife Safari Park, 16406 292nd St, Ashland, Nwb.

Cost: $10 per person (pre-registration requested)

Gretna Days

When: July 25-28 (carnival July 25 & 26, fireworks on July 26 at 10:15 p.m., kiddie parade July 27 at 8 a.m.)

Where: Various locations in Gretna, Neb.

Cost: FREE

Benson Days

When: July 27 & 28 (parade on July 27 at 10 a.m., street festival on July 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

Where: Benson neighborhood along Maple Street

Cost: FREE

Fairytale Ball

When: July 27, 6 to 9 p.m.

Where: Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S. 20th St.

Cost: $20 for members and $35 for non-members; purchase tickets to both the Royal Highland Ball and Fairytale Ball and get combo tickets to attend both for $30 for members and $60 for non-members. Purchase tickets here.

Valley Days

When: Aug. 9-11 (parade is Aug. 10 at 10 a.m.)

Where: Various locations in Valley, Neb.

Cost: FREE

Arrows to Aerospace in Bellevue

When: Aug. 16 & 17 (parade on Aug. 17 at 10 a.m.)

Where: Washington Park in Olde Towne Bellevue, Neb.

Cost: FREE

Millard Days

When: Aug. 20-25 (parade is Aug. 24 at 11 a.m.)

Where: Andersen Park, 13625 Cottner St.

Cost: FREE

Dundee Day

When: Aug. 24

Where: 50th Street and Underwood Avenue

Cost: FREE

Loessfest

When: Aug. 30 through Sept. 1

Where: Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park on the Council Bluffs side of the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge

Cost: FREE

Midtown Crossing Car Show

When: Sept. 1, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Turner Park at Midtown Crossing, 3110 Farnam St.

Cost: FREE

Family-Friendly Things To Do: Exhibits & Shows Ending Soon

“American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith”

When: Through June 23 (opening day activities are March 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)

Where: The Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St.

Cost: Included with museum admission, which is $11 for adults; $8 for seniors; $7 for children (ages 3-12); and FREE for members and children age 2 and under

There’s a surprising amount of fun things to do in February, especially if you’re looking for family-friendly events. If you’re looking for free things things to do in February, browse this list for storytimes, crafting opportunities, and for the hearty folk, a hike. Get out there and explore Omaha!

When: Feb. 3 through March 29; matinee showing on Saturdays, Sundays and Thursdays. Movies are “Fiddler on the Roof” (Feb. 3-15), “Grease” (Feb. 17 through March 1), “West Side Story” (March 3-15), and “Singin’ in the Rain” (March 17-29)

Has cabin fever started to kick in yet? I admit, I’m daydreaming of traveling somewhere warm (like returning to this island). But, realistically, I’ll settle for one of these tropical escapes in Omaha…and then head off to several things on this list. Read on for FREE things to do in January, including fun live shows and kid-friendly exhibits that entertain and educate!

This could be the busiest December I’ve ever seen in Omaha. There are so many special events this month geared toward families. Below you’ll find a big list of December events (not just holiday events) for kids of all ages.

Cost: $18 per person for Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium members, $23 for non-members and children 2 and under are FREE. Reservations are required for this all-inclusive event. Reservations will open in December.

Cost: Member cost is $20 for adults and $15 for children (ages 3-11). Non-member cost is $25 for adults and $20 for children (ages 3-11). Children 2 and under are FREE. Reservations are required. Ticket purchase includes a pancake breakfast, plush penguin toy and admission to the Zoo. Reservations will open in November 2017.

Gingerbread Houses

When: Dec. 28, 2 to 3 p.m.

When: Omaha Public Library Washington branch, 2868 Ames Ave.

Cost: FREE

Hogwarts Holiday Lock-In

When: Dec. 29, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Where: Omaha Public Library Abrahams branch, 5111 N. 90th St.

Cost: FREE

Noon Year’s Eve

When: Dec. 30, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: The Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St.

Cost: Included with regular admission, which is $11 for adults; $8 for seniors; $7 for children 3-12; and free for members and children age 2 and under.

Noon Year’s Eve

When: Dec. 30, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Where: Omaha Public Library Saddlebrook branch, 14850 Laurel Ave.

Cost: FREE

Holiday Nerf Party

When: Dec. 30, 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Where: Omaha Public Library Abrahams branch, 5111 N. 90th St.

Cost: FREE

Noon Year’s Eve

When: Dec. 31, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, 3701 S. 10th St.

Cost: Free to Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium members or with regular paid Zoo admission.

Noon Year’s Eve

When: Dec. 31, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Swimtastic Swim School, 7051 S. 181st St.

Cost: TBD

New Year’s Bash

When: Dec. 31, 6 to 8 p.m.

Where: Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S. 20th St.

Cost: $15 per person for members and $25 per person for non-members

New Year’s Eve Fireworks Spectacular

When:Dec. 31, 7 p.m. Postponed until Jan. 6, 7 p.m.

Where: Gene Leahy Mall, 14th and Farnam streets

Cost: FREE

On Going December Events 2017

Below are on-going events that started before December.

“Santa’s Magic”

When: Through Dec. 23, multiple shows daily

Where: Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S. 20th St.

Cost: Included with regular Museum admission, which is $12 for ages 2+, $11 for seniors, and FREE for children younger than 24 months and members

“A Christmas Carol”

When: Though Dec. 23; performances are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 and 6:30 p.m., and Wednesday performances on Nov. 29, Dec. 6, Dec. 13, and Dec. 20 at 7 p.m., and Thursdays, Nov. 30 and Dec. 7, at 7 p.m.

November is the month with an abundance of things to do with your kids, including several top-notch theater performances and free library events.

It’s also the kick-off to the holidays around Omaha, so you’ll find a lot of concerts, Christmas displays and more on this list. If you have an event that should be added, please email me at ohmyomaha (at) gmail (dot) com. Thanks!

Cost: Included with regular zoo admission, which is $19.95 for adults (ages 12+), $18.95 for seniors (65+), $18.95 for military adults (ages 12+), $13.95 for kids (ages 3-11), and $12.95 for military kids (ages 3-11), and FREE for zoo members.

When: Sept. 8 and 9; Friday events start at 5:30 p.m. with live music, Fun Flight at 6 and glow at dusk; Saturday events start at 7 a.m. with Competition Flight, another Competition Flight at 5:30 p.m., live music at 5:30 p.m. and glow at dusk; Sunday event is a Competition Flight at 7 a.m.

Discounts: Whatta Deal Wednesday ($10 tickets on the first Wednesday of the run (Sept. 20 only) available in person at the OCP box office starting at 4 p.m. on the day of the show; Twilight Tickets (half-price tickets when purchased in person at the OCP box office after noon on the day of the show); Lucky 7 Tickets ($7 tickets for students for opening weekend performances only (Sept. 15-17 only, good in person at the OCP box office or by phone at 402-553-0800)

Hi there, I’m Kim

I'm a mom, wife, writer & coffee addict. I love my hometown, Omaha, but cannot resist the thrill of travel. Life is best spent discovering the extraordinary at home and on the road. With any luck, I'll inspire you to think the same. Inquiries at ohmyomaha@gmail.com

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